A TRANSPORT grant of £3.9million means work can begin to replace an historic Blackburn bridge.

The Department of Transport cash will enable Freckleton Street bridge to be removed.

It will be replaced with a modern structure designed to carry more traffic.

Lancashire County Council, which controls public transport policy in other areas of East Lancashire outside Blackburn and Darwen, was also given a £29million cash grant.

The grants were part of a £363 million boost for transport projects in the North West.

The Edwardian bridge crosses the railway line to the south-west of Blackburn town centre and forms part of the new inner ring road network.

However, the Department of Transport wanted it replaced because it restricts traffic to one lane and cannot take heavy goods vehicles.

Local transport minister Tony McNulty said: "This settlement is excellent news for passengers, motorists and local authorities across the country.

"It demonstrates the government's commitment to investing in improving public transport and local roads and road conditions.

"All forms of local transport - buses, roads and road maintenance - are benefiting from today's funding.

"The government is putting right decades of under-investment and delivering its transport agenda.

"This shows our determination to see the money we give to councils for transport being used effectively and efficiently to bring improvements to the travelling public in their areas."